Lesson 16
The second resurrection will be the first time most humans will get to learn about Jesus and his promise of salvation. They will be living a life of peace in a world ruled by God. This may be the paradice Jesus promised the thief he would be living in. How long their second life will last is not discussed at length. I have only found one cryptic reference in a prophecy about God’s new time of peace, suggesting it may last only a lifetime of 100 years. They will live a productive life of fulfillment and plenty, having free access to know God on an individual personal level. These people will still have to choose to have a relationship with God and follow him. Notice that there will be sinners who are accursed. God has never forced a sentient being to love and obey him. Love does not come by force, only by choice. The angels lived with God, under his laws of love in heaven before a third of them decided to rebel against him. They made their choice to reject God and follow Satan. Why would humans be able to make better choices than those fallen angels did? Does being in heaven guarantee sentient beings will love God and willingly follow him? How many people do you think will faithfully choose to follow God when tested with the sway of Satan?
Isaiah 65:17-25 King James Version
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
Revelation 12:4 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son.